tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20119432585503288042018-08-28T05:40:30.834-07:00KDtechEveryone deserves to get the most out of their device!kraisy davenoreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-45168201173306652542014-04-15T07:12:00.002-07:002014-04-15T07:13:09.251-07:00Google Glass X-ray Vision<div class="p1">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;One of the most wonderful and yet simple processes of Google Glass is the ability to view an IP address. This ability alone will permit any Glass test pilot ‘Explorer’ to view a security camera with a basic voice command. Taking that idea and attempting to advance it would be with the utilization of an application that detects the Glass pilot’s head position. Upon activation of the camera viewing app the pilot would be able look in the direction of the camera automatically pulling the feed into the viewer.&nbsp;</div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The capability of camera viewing based on head direction would open up all kinds of options. A home or business security system would easily be complemented by this feature. A security guard sitting at his or her desk would simply be able to look up in the direction of the room they wish to view. Based on appropriate camera positioning the Glass pilot would be able to view a room right through the wall. A simple voice request to view one room further would permit a connection of the next camera one more room further away and so on. Once the Glass pilot turns their head they would then automatically begin receiving a feed from the cameras in line with the current head positioning. The next step would be to tie in feed to a security drone hovering over the building.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The same would work for a home security system. It would be a wonderful feature to hear the doorbell while being upstairs and immediately view the person standing there. The chime goes off, Glass knowns the pilot is home, and then the pilot is promoted just like any other message or they just look in the direction of the door. Otherwise the pilot would let Glass know the pilot wants to view the feed and the pilot would then be looking at the person standing at the front door. As the pilot moves their head around they would automatically switch between cameras to the one most in line with their view. Voice communication with the visitor would even be a possibility through Glass. The Glass pilot would not even have to be home and yet they could answer their front door.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Glass camera viewing would help with various driving tasks once again giving rise to the idea of promotion of wearing Glass while driving. Parallel parking would become much easier and potentially completed with more precision and less bumper dings. The Glass pilot would give the voice command to begin parallel parking or maybe the car being placed in reverse would trigger the app. The pilot would then begin to receive various feeds from an assortment of strategically placed cameras throughout the undercarriage of the vehicle. As the pilot turns their head they will see right through the sides of the car giving them a view of the other car’s bumpers nearest to them as well as the curb. Audible signals could tie in providing tones based on distance to the nearest object. There would be no more wheel bumps on the curb as long as the pilot could see it. Google Glass has opened up a new and fascinating feature.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1">Dave Schulz</span></div><div class="p4"><span class="s2"><a href="mailto:kraisydave@gmail.com">kraisydave@gmail.com</a></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1">@Kraisy Dave on Google Plus</span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1">@kraisydave on Twitter</span></div><div class="p4"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.kdtech.co/">www.KDtech.co</a></span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/G1dsJTC6LGQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2014/04/google-glass-x-ray-vision.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-45085506134571125942014-04-15T07:08:00.005-07:002014-04-15T11:38:54.396-07:00Glass Report<div class="p1"><span class="s1">Google Glass Report 04/15/14</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Another successful day of wearing Google Glass has passed. The beginning started once again with a run while utilizing the Strava app recording my split times, distance, and mapping. Simultaneously, Google music permitted me to listen to some ‘Traveling without Moving’ via the earbud. Typically earbuds fall out of my ears while running forcing me to be very selective. Someone at Google made this earbud just right for me. The string like audio cord is able to be fed through a whole in the earbud until it wedges in the ear helping it to stay in place throughout the run.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Upon completion of the run I was able to successfully end the music this time. I made an earlier error of navigating right of the ‘Ok Glass’ screen. What I actually needed to do was navigate left bringing me to the option of stopping the currently playing music. It appears I missed the simplest of actions most likely due to being tired. A voice command to end music at that point would be wonderful.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"></span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I have also turned on the ‘head detection’ software for the first time. The idea being that Glass would be able to detect the Explorer’s positioning of the Glass whether it be sitting on the table or actually being on one’s face. It turns out to be a very nice feature which only required the most basic initial calibration to work which Glass walks the Explorer test pilot through. A pleasant chime occurs each time Glass is removed or placed on the persons head. The best part is that the touch based commands are disable when removed preventing any accidental signals from getting through.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1">Dave Schulz</span></div><div class="p4"><span class="s2"><a href="mailto:kraisydave@gmail.com">kraisydave@gmail.com</a></span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1">@Kraisy Dave on Google Plus</span></div><div class="p3"><span class="s1">@kraisydave on Twitter</span></div><div class="p4"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.kdtech.co/">www.KDtech.co</a></span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/aWiXHIx4M1w" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2014/04/glass-report.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-46612193398958109982014-04-11T06:54:00.003-07:002014-04-11T06:54:28.270-07:00KDtech Google Glass Report -<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="p1">First, thanks to the Google Glass group for all that you do. I only write this in order to help Glass evolve and not as a complaint. I feel it to be all Explorer test pilots responsibility to report use.</div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Strava Running App</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Today, as usual, I took Glass for my morning run utilizing the Strava application. The app provides me with split times in my ear about every mile or on the screen simply by looking up while the app is running. My run is time stamped, measured, and placed on a Google map in my records on Strava’s website. There are many more features to explore including a paid version as well as one used for bicycling. The only issue I have had was when I started up the app the other day I had to go to the myglass interface on the phone or computer and toggle the app on and off. It was the only way I could log in with my Strava account. Since that time I have not had to repeat this action.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Google Play Music</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Music has some room for improvement when compared to other systems out there already available in cheap bluetooth ear pieces using Android on the phone itself to power it. It appears there is no way to start music on the phone via the touch Android interface and hear it on Glass. In my case I prefer to listen via the earpiece so that I do not disturb those around me. I believe that the most needed patch would be one that looks only at the music on the phone verses trying to reach out to the internet. I live in the heart of downtown St. Louis under the most modern cell towers. Yet, the app will stall out leaving me without music for several minutes between songs while running on a stock GS4 on 3G or 4G. When I get it to connect to my phone stored music that problem is gone, but I have to be very specific in my voice request. Another issue is that an internet connection must be made simply to find music that is already on my phone. Once this has happened many cards populate for each song within a ‘CD’. Through the many cards I am unable to find a way to stop the music upon completion of my run. Today I was so tired that I just cut power to Glass to get it to stop playing music. There may already be a stop command just as one was recently added to maps for directions. Maybe I have just not found it yet.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Hope this helps…</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Dave Schulz</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="mailto:kraisydave@gmail.com">kraisydave@gmail.com</a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">@Kraisy Dave on Google Plus</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">@kraisydave on Twitter</span></div><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1">www.KDtech.co</span></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/Q2kGPwvKxEs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2014/04/kdtech-google-glass-report.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-53151207052116539992014-04-08T07:16:00.002-07:002014-04-08T08:40:38.596-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="p1"><span class="s1" style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Google Glass - Preventing accidents one wink at a time.</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Google glasses or “Glass” as they are known have grown in attention so much that politicians have hastily considered regulations even before Glass is publicly released. Currently Glass has reached quite a few hands via the “Explorer” program. I happen to be one of those in the test pilot program as an “Explorer”. As a former federal law enforcement agent, EMT on an ambulance, volunteer fire fighter, security consultant, and military officer working on my third degree in emergency services I see Google Glass as one of the best technological safety advancements of many years. Glass has the capability of greatly reducing vehicular accidents. Vehicle accident prevention is particularly important to me after spending the last 15 years responding to 911 emergency calls.</span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Distracted driving is one of the ever growing contributors to vehicle based accidents. Distraction.gov evaluates the act of texting labeling it as the largest contributor by removing one’s eyes from the road for 4.6 seconds. “At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded.” (Distraction.gov). Various governmental organizations have attempted to curtail this issue by outlawing the active use of cellphones while driving. Some outlaw just the act of texting while others completely outlaw the use. Yet others permit hands free operation. Even with all of these laws it appears that continual use is more likely than not. People are now found to move their cellphone to their lap while driving in an attempt to not be seen by law enforcement. Focusing now to the lap area only increases that time away from paying attention to the road. Google Glass can reduce this issue and improve on other safety concerns as well. The world is speeding up requiring the governments to modernize with it or get left behind.</span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Glass has almost an unlimited potential for development of safety based applications. Yet some worry that Glass may prohibit the viewing of the open road. Glass in no way limits one’s viewing angles of the road. I personally tested Google Glass over a 3600 mile road trip passing through some of the most difficult road conditions in snow covered mountainous areas. Peripheral vision is unobstructed. Glass permitted me to maintain my full normal fields of vision including uninhibited use of all mirrors. The screen on Glass consists of a small prism placed just above the right eye. At that distance the prism appears like a flat piece of glass presenting a clear view no different than when a person looks out their own window. Even the images appear in a translucent or transparent state permitting a person to look straight through at objects ahead of them. Glass not only fails to inhibit one’s vision, but it actually enhances the driving experience assisting in the natural short comings of the distracted driver.</span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">While on my 3600 mile Google Glass test pilot trip I encountered various hazardous road conditions. The weather was the worse, but I even had to manage to find a path around a closed section of highway due to a wildfire. Glass alerted me to incoming snow storms, the wildfire, construction, and even pleasant conditions without ever forcing my eyes off the road to reach for my phone. Glass provided all these alerts based on my selected needs via the translucent image just above my eye. Never once did my head turn away from the road in front of me while getting all of these alerts. 4.6 seconds was reduced to zero. All I needed to do was continue to look forward.</span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Many people within various jobs require them to look off into the distance while still focusing on what is right in front of them. The modern helicopter pilot utilizes a specialized heads up display with one eye while the other looks outside of the cockpit to the horizon. Google Glass eliminates this strain by allowing both eyes to focus on the road and receive the information making Glass operation even safer than the advancements in pilot technology. Yet, Glass can still provide vital feedback including a future which permits more specialized road condition reports, weather, and even distances to the vehicle in front of a person. According to drivingrules.net it will take about 6 seconds to stop at 55 mph. If 4.6 is already gone to texting then 1.4 seconds is all that is left not providing nearly enough time for a person to react. Glass will not only help to keep ones eyes on the road, but it also has the potential to alert a driver that they are following to closely to the car in front. What if that same person would have been looking away at their dashboard attempting to adjust the radio? Through Glass they not only would be alerted to look up, but it is likely the situation would never have happened since Glass has the potential to permit voice control of the radio volume.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Over the course of the road trip I found myself getting tired. Generally I would stop, but what if I had not judged my sleepiness correctly? Glass is able to detect that so well known head bob that occurs when a person begins to fall asleep while being upright. Now that sleepy person will receive a visual as well as audible alert waking them with the potential of a vibration alert. Not only will Glass notify a sleepy driver of their condition, but it is also packed with the potential to anticipate sharp turns, speeding, fuel levels, and even medical emergencies. Should a medical issue such as a blood sugar change arise Google Glass could provide an early alert to the driver or even alert emergency responders if the issue were to become serious preventing the manual dial of 911.</span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Google Glass provides a handsfree interface controlled via voice commands, a head nod, or even a wink. Texting is read to the user and responded to though speaking. The potential to prevent car accidents is only a small fraction of the great future for Glass. Yet, life saving technology should never be under appreciated. It was speculated that politicians would try to outlaw the wearing of Google Glass while driving. Due to a misunderstanding of the technology they may contribute to accidents that are actually preventable by allowing Glass to advance and be developed all before it is ever released.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Dave Schulz</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Android Test Pilot</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">kraisydave@gmail.com</span></div><br /><div class="p1"><span class="s1">www.KDtech.co</span></div></div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/uZruu6EF6Ks" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2014/04/google-glass-preventing-accidents-one.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-69010833113144348202014-03-02T20:48:00.004-08:002014-03-02T20:48:48.949-08:00Top 3 Android 10 inch-ish Tablet Comparison<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://kdandroid.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Top 3 Android 10 inch-ish tablets review and comparison.</a> Google Nexus 10.2, Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, Samsung Galaxy 10.1 2014.<br /><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/RPBj_f1ajHU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2014/03/top-3-android-10-inch-ish-tablet.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-11987549595353941672014-02-28T01:50:00.000-08:002014-02-28T01:50:04.435-08:00KDTech Returns!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">KDTech is returning after a break! Life took me away from the company for a bit, but we are bringing it back. Standby for the latest in tech tips via KDtech.co and Twitter @kraisydave. New products on the way to accompany custom software, security issues, and reviews. You deserve to get the most out of your tech!</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/Tiee9OOk1HM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2014/02/kdtech-returns.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-66367889844785129082012-12-08T21:04:00.001-08:002012-12-08T21:17:27.357-08:00Tweaked 3.1 for the Droid Charge is here!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Check it out!!! Tweaked 3.1 for the Droid Charge ROM...&nbsp;<a href="http://kdtweakedrom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Droid Charge ROMs</a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/zYuOpOLoLNA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/12/tweaked-31-for-droid-charge-is-here.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-92014396239799423012012-10-27T02:19:00.000-07:002012-10-27T02:19:16.253-07:00Ubuntu Linux on Nexus 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Run Ubuntu Linux on the Google's Android Nexus 7 tablet. <a href="http://kdnexus7.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Link - Nexus Linux Project</a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/qPRZQI8-OiQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/10/ubuntu-linux-on-nexus-7.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-15248289718017345762012-10-26T18:28:00.001-07:002012-10-26T18:28:26.617-07:00NFC Android hack on Nexus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Watch out! NFC hack on your android device. Vulnerable Nexus devices.<br /><a href="http://kdnexus7.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">NFC Android Hack!</a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/aNpHxXNyCJE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/10/nfc-android-hack-on-nexus.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-11457836918364793672012-10-24T09:31:00.000-07:002012-10-24T09:31:53.177-07:00Android Expanding!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As many of you know I have been a big support of the Droid Charge along with a little of the Epic. I will continue my support for the Droid Charge and am now expanding to include the Asus Nexus 7 tablet and the Samsung Galaxy S3 for Verizon.<br /><br />My goal is to create videos that help people get the most out of their electronic purchase. I cover everything from Rooting, ROMs, apps, and even security threats.<br /><br />I am looking for help. While I do this all for free and love it, my paying job takes me away more often than I would like. If you would like to help me update this site and maybe even work on videos with me, please let me know. Post on my youtube page <a href="http://www.youtube.com/kraisydave" target="_blank">KDtech</a>.<br /><br />I will be expanding out to podcasting soon. I was in need of a way to cover some short tips as well as the latest in security issues around Android. I believe podcasting will help me get that information out to all of you along with the blog.<br /><br /><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6533665.579;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000026530730;pid=62567;usg=AFHzDLthgTmDudTa7WMJqfeLDdMK9Clz6g;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.abt.com%252Fproduct%252F62567%252FGoogle-NEXUS7ASUS1B16.html;pubid=541978;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fcontent.abt.com%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2FBDP_Images%2Fbig_NEXUS7ASUS1B16.jpg;width=122;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/jNyuzcnUmqI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/10/android-expanding.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-81571041953489442532012-10-11T02:03:00.001-07:002012-10-11T02:03:55.611-07:00Nexus 7 Tablet Fix!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Read about my latest Nexus 7 tablet customer service fix! <a href="http://kdnexus7.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Nexus 7 Tablet Customer Service Fix</a></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/K7ecJlDeyHs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/10/nexus-7-tablet-fix.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-65577823924096491142012-09-25T10:07:00.004-07:002012-09-25T10:57:27.130-07:00Nexus 7 Epic Failure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Nexus 7 Tablet Epic Failure - Yeah, its been a hard road with this thing and Google is making it even worse for me and many other customers. <a href="http://kdnexus7.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Read - Nexus 7 Epic Failure</a><br /><br />by: kraisydave<br />Everyone deserves to get the most out of their device.</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/7M0rT7c8ucg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/09/nexus-7-epic-failure.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-6848728461470213462012-09-22T13:21:00.000-07:002012-09-22T13:29:51.918-07:00Tweaked 3.0 ROM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Everyone it is finally here! Thanks so much to dwitherell for all the hard work.<br /><br />I have added all the information dwitherell has shared so that it can be archived.&nbsp; <br /><br /><a href="http://kdtweakedrom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">KDtweaked</a><br /><br />He has great directions found at the below link which also allow you to reply to dwitherell. Stand by for a review and install video from KDtech.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://rootzwiki.com/topic/34236-fp5eromcwmodintweaked-v30/" target="_blank">Tweaked 3.0</a>&nbsp;</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/ca09kB2kL1Q" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/09/tweaked-30-rom.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-8577886626891216812012-09-02T00:36:00.001-07:002012-09-02T00:41:55.793-07:00Nexus 7 Tablet - Issues and Great Service<div><p dir=ltr>The Google Nexus 7 tablet arrived on my doorstep about a week ago. Right off the bat I was amazed at how small the box was. Being use to a 10 inch tablet had me worried. Those worries were later changed to love. Powering up the Nexus 7 for the first time went really smooth. However I had to do an erase and then fresh start up again as I have two internet connections at my home. One is out of Canada while the other is in the US. Initially the Canadian one gave me a more limited step and refused to give me the $25 gift card to the Google play store. All was remedied upon the fresh US start. But then my issues began.</p><p dir=ltr>My Nexus 7 began to show similar issues to many others reporting in the forums. The corners where the screen meets the glass seems to have permanent black scratch like marks under the glass. It seems to be screen separation. The larger issues are a type of screen burn in and a white out gradual fade in. The screen burn could be called ghosting. The last program ran leaves a very detailed, but transparent copy of itself in the next app ran or even in the home screen. Over about 5 or 10 minutes this fades away. The white out looks like the LCD crystals are just not getting the color information needed. If I have not started the device for a while the screen white out fade is really bad. But as I use the Nexus 7 it improves until the point where all color is properly restored. I am evening typing on the Nexus 7 now to write this. At the moment all colors are perfectly correct.</p><p dir=ltr>Today I decided it was time to call Google and explain what had been going on. I waited for a while as I had hopes a software patch would fix most things. However, I have learned that it is more of a hardware issue. Many people on the forums stated horrible stories with customer service. Mine was nothing short of excellent. I called and listened to the options. Number 2 was for anyone under the magic 15 day return policy. After just a few seconds of ringing on a late Saturday evening a Google rep picked up. I explained my situation and he stated it was likely a hardware issue. He told me a replacement was on its way out and that it would contain a paid shipping label for my current one with no credit card needed. It was just about the best customer experience I have ever had over the phone which was all completed in about 5 minutes. I even answered the followup survey.</p><p dir=ltr>Aside from the above issues I would highly recommend this tablet. The Nexus 7 tablet is the ultimate pure Google, pure Android experience at the best price and what I later learned was just the right size. If you are looking for a tablet or just have a little money burning a hole in your pocket, then get the Nexus 7.</p></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/gwM1GaGdftk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/09/nexus-7-tablet-issues-and-great-service.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-78579765310838807862012-09-02T00:11:00.001-07:002012-09-02T00:11:52.484-07:00Tweaked 3.0 FP5 Alpha Version Test<div><p dir=ltr>It has only been a short time since I got it. The Tweaked 3.0 FP5 alpha test is going great. Once I am given permission a video will be up with links to a fresh download for all those looking for a great ROM. <br></p></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/nfu6colrPPM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/09/tweaked-30-fp5-alpha-version-test.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-65418346758836451572012-06-16T10:57:00.002-07:002012-06-16T10:57:36.041-07:00Video! Eclipse 2.0 Android ROM on the Droid Charge FP1 update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">&nbsp;I just got this video up and running on my channel @ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL2uJbMrA-0" target="_blank">Eclipse ROM Review &amp; Install</a><br /><br />Check it out an let me know what you think. Subscribing is free and appreciated as it motivates me to make more videos. Thanks! <br /><br />Eclipse 2.0 Android ROM on the Droid Charge FP1 update<br /><br />Complete everything at your own risk. You could brick your phone.<br /><br />In this video kraisydave reviews the Eclipse ROM after several weeks of use. The end is followed up with a step by step how to install.<br /><br />Please feel free to post questions here. I will answer them as fast as I can, but I am only one person. You can also jump over to any of the great forums out there in the below links.<br /><br />Thanks for watching and please subscribe to youtube.com/kraisydave and twitter @ kraisydave as it is free and motivates me to keep making more videos.<br /><br />There are many videos on my channel to get your Droid Charge all ready to except this ROM. Check them out first!<br /><br />All credit for this great ROM goes to: nitroglycerine33 @ www.eclipserom.com<br /><br />You can find him the Droid Charge section of the Eclipserom forum. He appreciates donations....<br /><br />Links for place to research and ask questions:<br /><br />All need files and instructions:<br />http://eclipserom.com/vforum/showthread.php?997-ROM-FP1-Eclipse-Charge-v2-0-%284-3-12%29<br /><br />http://eclipserom.com/vforum/forumdisplay.php?10-Samsung-Droid-Charge<br /><br />http://www.chargeforums.com/forum/forum.php<br /><br />http://rootzwiki.com/forum/58-droid-charge/<br /><br />http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1146<br /><br />http://androidforums.com/samsung-droid-charge/</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/7vylI9srlVk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/06/video-eclipse-20-android-rom-on-droid.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-83016768730102855412012-05-20T21:19:00.000-07:002012-05-20T21:19:51.217-07:00KDtech.co Site<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It is finally coming together. Thanks for being kind while I build this site up. The plan is to cover general tech, focus on Android, games, HDR photography and movie review. The plan is to build an instructional area to help support android phones such as the Droid Charge. Many people own this phone all while Verizon is abandoning it. I plan to help by collecting all the operating system restores, rooting software, ROMs, and anything along with all the instructions needed. Then on top of that I have and will continue to update all my youtube videos to match the instructions.<br />Remember rooting and roms could brick your phone if installed incorrectly. Complete at your own risk.<br /><br />Thanks for looking and tell a friend. Follow me on twitter @ kraisydave and www.youtube.com/kraisydave Subscribe for notification of the latest videos.<br /><br />kraisydave</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/u9zpriKIM9M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/05/kdtechco-site.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-47419392407879076952012-05-20T07:00:00.002-07:002012-05-20T07:00:19.248-07:00Terminator 2 Skynet Disk Set<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Best price ever on Terminator 2 Skynet edition with free shipping for Amazon Prime members <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RIY4WE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=kdt-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001RIY4WE">Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Skynet Edition) [Blu-ray]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=kdt-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B001RIY4WE" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/clCCCuiOBLQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/05/terminator-2-skynet-disk-set.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-83701545853909391732012-05-11T11:32:00.000-07:002012-05-11T11:38:09.787-07:00Review - Plantronics Bluetooth on Android by Kdtech.coFor the longest time I have been using a basic bluetooth ear piece just for voice calls. It was time to upgrade so I could not only make voice calls, but also listen to music, videos, have voice control, and connect to multiple devices at once. After much research I have found that the Plantronics M50 with the A2DP protocol fits the bill. Just to clear things up a normal bluetooth ear piece normally just supports voice so a person can make phone calls. In order to stream media the earpiece must have a protocol known as A2DP which lets all the other media audio play over the earpiece.<br /><br />The M50 comes in quite a large plastic container showing off the earpiece as it is mounted right at the top. The package includes a couple of instructional booklets in both English and Spanish. Really these are not needed especially if you have used any bluetooth item before. You will also find an extremely long micro usb cable for charging. The earpiece itself appears to be of nicer plastic and rubber construction. Right away I was able to tell that this earpiece had a little more car in the engineering when compared to the usually cheap earpieces found at most stores. The outside of the earpiece has an LED light which switches between red and blue designating the connections of the bluetooth. There is also a very easy to use on/off switch on the underside. One of my favorite pieces was the blue tented clear plastic loop which goes over the wearers ear. Unlink many of my previous earpieces, this loop is permanently attached to the bluetooth earpiece. The loop has a pivot which easily lets a person choose to use the bluetooth on the left or right ear. An additional nice feature is that the actual portion which sits in the ear canal is rubber verses the more common plastic. For longer wear this rubber cover really cuts down on irritation.<br /><br />Of course the best feature of all on the M50 is the media streaming. The M50 is one of the least expensive A2DP supported bluetooth earpieces which streams media right along with voice. The earpiece can even be connected to two devices at once which is especially helpful for those that have a personal phone and a work phone. I sat at work today with the phone over on the charger all while listening to music, not disturbing the people around me, and without any cords. The clarity seems great for what it is.<br /><br />If you are interest I suggest you go over to Amazon and read some more reviews. It is on sale with free shipping to Amazon Prime members. Normally $50 and now $29.99. Follow my link on the right side here to go right to it. Amazon has the lowest price on the Plantronics D50 as of the writing of this posting.<br /><br />by: kraisydave<br /><br />www.youtube.com/kraisydave<br /><br />Twitter @ kraisydave<br /><br />Google + @ kraisy dave<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/T9QgD6hNG74" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/05/review-plantronics-bluetooth-on-android.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-3785813976043296732012-03-24T09:04:00.000-07:002012-03-24T09:04:02.691-07:00Review - Samsung Droid Charge i510 Extended Capacity 3600mAh Li-Ion Battery + Battery Door Cover<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">I recently purchased a Chinese made extended battery for the Droid Charge. As many of you have experienced, the battery life of many Android devices can be very poor. The Droid Charge is no exception. Many people get four hours or less depending on their individual usage usually focused around the apps they are using. GPS and streaming video apps will of course drain your phone in a heartbeat. Rooting and running a more efficient ROM can help, but many people do not like to go down that path.&nbsp; So, I found an alternative and have given it a run.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Upon ordering the battery came quickly even with me living in the middle of nowhere Montana. The packing was acceptable and came with a little black and white note. The instructions read that you must cycle the battery three times in order to receive the full benefit of the battery. If you fail to do this, you risk having a battery with a short life than the original stock. The cycling really was not a problem as I did not mind having my phone off while it recharged. The process really did take quite some time as the battery immediately lasted just under 14 hours with my average use which I will cover.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The first thing I noticed was the weight. Yes, the battery is twice the physical size taking up some real estate when compared to the original, but I expected that. However, I now have an unexpected weapon in my pocket. I could see the weight being a problem for some people as it is a bit significant. If you wear thinner clothing you may not consider this purchase. In jeans or a jacket pocket will be fine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I choose to use a non-name brand battery which can be a recipe for problems. I just could not pass up the price. The Chinese make is fairly cheap at just over $12. Many other extended batteries for phones can range from $20 to $40 on average. $12 almost seemed too cheap. The price even included the door cover which is a must for this new double sized battery.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkvAThxwcqs/T23wVRIMPXI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/SZb7uui1PcI/s1600/Droid+Battery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkvAThxwcqs/T23wVRIMPXI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/SZb7uui1PcI/s320/Droid+Battery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a week of use and proper initial cycling I have a huge improvement in overall battery life. To help give you an idea I have what I consider average use habits. M day consists of leaving all radios on including Bluetooth, GPS, and wifi. Throughout the day I get push notices from multiple email accounts, calendar, news, and finance. I check finance and general news about every hour or two. And on most days I usually watch about an hour or two of streaming video. The streaming does cut down on the life, but not by too much if I only watch one video. I tend to use the camera app quite often as well. My screen is usually kept on the brightest setting which as you may know is just about the largest battery drain short of video streaming. If you have similar habits I would bet you would have similar performance. Please leave some comments below sharing your experience. We all need to know if it rocked or sucked because everyone deserves to get the most out of their purchase. You can check out my link on the left to get your own extended battery.<br /><br />Follow on Twitter @ kraisydave </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/8Rmt9T5NJxI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/03/review-samsung-droid-charge-i510.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-26417534704184675432012-03-23T17:09:00.000-07:002012-03-23T17:09:01.028-07:00Rooting Android! Why should I?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Rooting! One the most common questions I get is why should I root? And that is usually followed with what exactly is root and how do I do it? I have been a “root user” since owning all of my Android devices. In fact I usually root right out of the box now when I get a new phone. Rooting is a term used for Android similar to jailbreaking for the iphone. In simple terms rooting is gaining full access to the operating system. <br /><br />Lets backup a little bit. Android is open source operating system owned and given away by Google. Different versions of Android are place on many models of phones and other devices by many different manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola. Focusing on the phones, they are then sold to carriers such as Verizon in the United States. The carriers are typically where problems arise. Verizon, Sprint, and AT&amp;T have decided that you the user do not need full control over your phone and all its wonderful parts and software. That would be like buying a computer and having Best Buy decide that you no longer need to use the DvD drive just because they said so. All these restrictive efforts just motivated the Android Developers (Devs) to find a way around them. This was the birth of rooting. <br /><br />Now you ask what does rooting do for me, the user? I think I can answer that by giving the reasons of why I root every phone. First, for it me I like to root because nerdy hacking type stuff is fun. But really it is to run software (apps) that I would not otherwise be permitted to use. I am a big believer in backing up everything to include my phone, text messages, game progress, settings, and apps in general along with many more items. Rooting allows me to do all this for free using programs like Titanium Backup which cannot run without being rooted as the app needs access to the whole Android operating system to work.<br /><br /> Once rooted you can venture into other areas like running custom versions of the Android operating system called ROMs. These can be really fun and greatly improve the phones performance. A ROM I am running now, called GummyCharge, has improved my phones speeds and tripled my battery life. There are trade offs for trying items like this as you can make mistakes loading them and brick your phone. But with practice loading, or flashing as it is known, can become second nature. While driving down the road the other day I hit two buttons and flashed a whole new operating system on my phone that was ready by the time I arrived at my destination. It really can be that easy. <br /><br />And my number one reason for rooting is wireless tether! Ethics and court come into play here. It was declared legal that you own the phone and can do what you like with it to include rooting. As we discussed rooting allows for extra apps to run that otherwise would not. One of those is wireless tether which permits a person to turn their phone into a wireless hotspot or router. Wireless tether lets you connect your computer, tablet, other even other phones over wifi to your Android Rooted phone and share the data. Warning!!! You may get extra charges on your phone bill and you may run over your data plan limitations really quickly. The carries cannot see that you are tethered, but they will see a great spike in your data. This is not an illegal process. But the carriers would prefer that you basically double the price of your data plan and just use their app for tether. Is that ethical? You are already paying for data and maybe unlimited data as I am. Who is the carrier to tell me what I can and cannot look at on the internet with whatever device I like? That is an ethical question for you to figure out. But again, it is not prohibited! <br /><br />If you are interested in rooting then you need to go to forums like Android Central, Android Forums, XDA Developers, and Rootzwiki and look up your model phone. Some phones are preset for rooting. But most others like mine require a flaw to be found by the devs and then exploited. Basically they find a way to root your phone for you and provide instructions on how to do this to your individual phone. Good luck!!! It is a worthwhile process in my opinion.<br /><br />www.youtube.com/kraisydave <br /><br />Subscribing to my youtube channel is free and helps to motivate me to make more vids and blogs. My goal is to help everyone get the most out of their phone purchase!<br /><br />Twitter: @kraisydave</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/dqXlWu_Gg0Q" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/03/rooting-android-why-shouldi.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011943258550328804.post-46356839764354644622012-01-04T00:52:00.000-08:002012-01-04T00:52:20.136-08:00Ethics - Android Root Tethering and Verizon Communism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">One of the most talked about issues with regards to Android Rooting is Wifi Tethering or Hotspot without paying for the additional charges for the exact same service through Verizon’s Hotspot application. Is Root Wifi Tethering stealing or not? First, I do not condone stealing of any kind. But Root Tethering is a touchy issue and I am here to give you a potentially new perspective on the topic so that you can make a choice for yourself. Also, I am not a lawyer and suggest you consult one if you are worried about the legalities of tethering.<br /><br />Lets first clear up what Root Tethering or Hotspot really is. Your Android phone or tablet which has a cell tower connection is receiving internet data called bits or 1’s and 0’s. Those bits or 1’s and 0’s add up to build the webpage you see, the movie you are streaming, or anything else you may do with your Android device. These bits happen to be the exact same thing you view on your home computer when connected to the internet. At home you get to see those bits on any device you choose from your computer to your television. Verizon, as other United States base carriers, only want you to use the cell tower bits on your device you bought from them unless you want to pay about double the price for the exact same bits. For whatever reason this extra double payment makes Verizon fell good about you sharing your bits among your other devices.<br /><br />I could maybe agree with the argument that if you have unlimited data or bits from Verizon and you use Root Tethering then that could be seen as stealing. But that went out the window when Verizon went to pay as you go plans with limitations on the bits. A person now pays for exactly the amount of bits they get. And if they go over that agreed upon limit the person can get big time charges depending on their plan. It is against Verizon policy to use Root Tether, but policy is not law. Lets take a plan with a 3gig limit on bits. So, you decide to download 3 gigs of stuff at the very beginning of the month leaving nothing for the rest. Or you spread out the bits over the month to include a little email, some video streaming, and maybe a little music. No matter how you use it you still get 3 gigs of bits. Video, music, email, app data, or anything else looks as bits to Verizon. Bits are bits no matter what and they never run out like oil or water. As long as the company is in business bits can be created indefinitely. So what does it matter if you use your 3 gigs of bits to view Netflix on your phone or on your big 55” TV in your living-room? Either way you pay for your 3 gigs of bits just the same. Who is Verizon to tell you what you can and cannot view or do with your bits that you honestly paid for with your hard earned cash?<br /><br />Okay, lets get some comparisons going to help put things into perspective. Lets take a look at that old service called Cable. Remember that? I got rid of that years and years ago. Anyways, when a person purchased cable they got a box placed on their TV by some fat stinky guy who always seemed to have a full moon showing. That box was meant just for that TV right? But next thing you know the cable was routed into the bedrooms and maybe even the kitchen. Just a few years back an item called Slingbox came out. A person can now watch their paid for Cable service from anywhere they have an internet connection. They pay for it but is it ethical? Whether it is or is not, people have been doing that for years. And the big companies are catching on by adjusting their business models to support these habits. Take HBO for example. If you get Cable service with an HBO package, then HBO gives you this great little app called HBOtoGo which allows you to use that fabulous streaming cell phone to watch all your great shows on the go even though your service is to your home. HBO believes it is ethical why don’t you?<br /><br />Lets make it even easier to decide. You pay for water. You pay for the amount of water you use. But what if the water company decided to act like Verizon? Like internet bits to your phone, you pay for water to your kitchen faucet. But one day you get this wild idea that you would not like to stink anymore. So handy as you are, you crack into the water line and route it your newly installed shower. You do not see any problem with this as you are paying as you use for water so it is an ethically and moral act to an honest person. But then the water company finds out about the shower. You had no idea that repair man was going to tell on you. Now the water company, Communist Water, threatens to cut off all your service unless you want to pay them double for the exact same water just because you are using it in a different way than they like. Communist Water doesn’t like it since they cannot figure out how to make money off this shower short of using scare tactics and threats. Communist Water knowns that if it works hard enough to make normally honest people feel like they are stealing then Communist Water can control them and make even more money. The first thing they do is write policy. Sound familiar?<br /><br />Who is Verizon to say what you can and cannot do with the bits you honestly pay for? Communist China limits what its people can do and see with their bits they honestly pay for. Does that make Verizon communist like? I believe so. Communist Verizon says that you must use their Tethering or Hotspot app and they are going to double charge you for it. What if they did the same thing with say Netflix. You no longer can view Netflix, but instead must pay Communist Verizon extra money to use its crappier video streaming service. What if they did that to newspapers or anything else? <br /><br />People let Verizon get away with this. Tethering is not they only thing Verizon abuses. Have you ever looked at text messaging charges, voicemail abuse, cell tower dominance or even the fact that there is no sim-card access? Excluding Canada, about every other country around the world has better deals that let the customer easily decide which device they use simply by moving sim-cards around. Communist Verizon takes that freedom away also.<br /><br />So really it is up to you to decide what is ethical or not. You are armed with new information to help you in your decision process. And maybe if enough people speak out it will force Communist Verizon to change its ways for the freedom of the customer instead of the all might dollar for Verizon.<br /><br />by: kraisydave <br />KDtech.org<br />kraisydave on youtube and twitter</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Kdtech/~4/Npvh2TIazVc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>kraisy davehttps://plus.google.com/115277066423232233036noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.kdtech.co/2012/01/ethics-android-root-tethering-and.html